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TN 90 LC Tobacco is a dependable Burley tobacco cultivar bred for modern growers who want reliable performance without compromise. This upright annual reaches 36 to 60 inches tall and matures in just 70 to 79 days from transplant, making it practical for most growing regions across zones 3 to 10. What sets it apart is its Low Converter trait, which reduces the conversion of nicotine to nornicotine during the curing process, a meaningful advantage for growers focused on final product quality. It's naturally resistant to deer and disease, thriving in full sun whether you plant it in fields, containers, raised beds, or greenhouses.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-10
60in H x ?in W
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High
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TN 90 LC delivers the reliability serious growers expect from a modern Burley variety with a genuine innovation: the Low Converter genetics that preserve nicotine quality through curing. It's more compact than its predecessor TN 86, making it easier to manage in diverse growing setups. Bred for open-pollinated seed saving, it stands as a thoughtful choice for growers who want both performance and the independence of saved seed.
TN 90 LC is grown primarily for tobacco production. The Low Converter trait specifically influences how the plant's nicotine chemistry develops during the curing and aging process, making it valued by growers and manufacturers who prioritize final product consistency and quality.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Keep soil warm (70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) and moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings typically emerge within 7 to 10 days.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed and plants have developed their first true leaves. Harden off for 7 to 10 days by gradually exposing seedlings to outdoor conditions. Space plants 24 inches apart with 36 inches between rows.
Harvest TN 90 LC at 70 to 79 days from transplant when leaves reach full size and begin to thin slightly, showing early signs of maturity. Leaves should feel slightly tacky to the touch and have a rich color. Harvest lower leaves first as they mature, working upward over several weeks, or harvest the entire plant at once by cutting it near the base. Handle leaves gently to avoid bruising, which can affect curing quality.
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“The catalog descriptions provided do not include detailed historical information about TN 90 LC's development, breeding origins, or the specific growers or institutions behind this variety. To fully understand this cultivar's origins, additional historical sources would be needed.”